Lock Station Dates & Hours: the system usually opens around the Victoria Day weekend at the end of May and closes around the Canadian Thanksgiving in early October. The last day of operation for 2021 is 11th October. Lock hours vary with season and can be viewed on the official Rideau Canal site.
The easiest road access to Chaffey’s lock is off Highway 15, along Chaffeys Lock Road (County Rd 9), about 9 km. You can also access the locks off Highway 10, the Old Perth Road, via Opinicon Road. This is a longer route but a nice drive if you’re not in a rush.
General Information
Lock Number(s)/Flights: #37
Lock Lift metres (feet): 3.3 (10.7)
Co-ordinates (Google maps): 44.57897, -76.31985
Civic Address: 1723 Chaffeys Lock Road Rideau Lakes, Ontario
Lock Station Phone: 613-359-5914
Portage: Yes, but it does involve crossing generally quiet roads. <250m
Boat launch: Yes
Kayak/Canoe Launch: Yes
Previous Lock(Distance): Newboro Lock
Next Lock (Distance): Davis Lock
Facilities
Parking: Yes (free) but very limited.
Camping: Yes ($), if arriving by water and also for cyclists and hikers.
BBQ/Picnic Tables: Picnic tables & BBQs
Washrooms: Yes
Power Supply: Nothing dedicated but you can charge electronics in the washrooms (not secure)
Garbage/Recycling: Yes
Potable (Drinking) Water: Yes, but do check with the lockmaster.
Public Telephone: No
Other
Local Suppliers: Brown’s Marina general store is a short distance from the Davis Lock (Indian Lake) end. Includes LCBO and Beer store but do check the regulations about consuming alcohol on Federal land.
Hiking Trails: No
Cell Phone Reception: 3/5 bars Rogers
Chaffeys Lock is blessed with a lot of level camping sites along the full length of the lock system. Opinicon Lake end looks to be the quieter option.
